Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Deferred
Paragraph: 75
The Government offers support on childcare options: notably, the Childcare Choices website and via Jobcentre...
Conclusion
The Government offers support on childcare options: notably, the Childcare Choices website and via Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches. DWP told us that Work Coaches receive training in advising UC claimants on their childcare options, but our evidence suggests further work is needed. We also heard that currently, UC claimants referring to the Childcare Choices webpage are often directed back to general information on Universal Credit, as the information on the webpage is not sufficient.
Government Response Summary
The Department states it does not have any jurisdiction to work with childcare providers and therefore, does not intend to consult with providers, as the regulation of childcare lies solely within the DfE remit. The current system of paying childcare costs on receipt of actual costs paid protects the claimant from getting into debt.
Paragraph Reference:
75
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Although the Department works closely with the DfE on a wide range of childcare issues it does not have any jurisdiction to work with childcare providers and therefore, we do not intend to consult with providers. The regulatory of childcare lies solely within the DfE remit. When UC was being designed, the Department considered the best way to avoid parents from getting into debt. We wanted to avoid overpayments and there was evidence that there was problems in the Working Tax Credits system which was susceptible to uncertainty for parents. Paying equal UC childcare payments throughout the year would increase the potential for parents to move into dept due to the fluctuations that occur in childcare costs and when claimants moving in and out of work. The current system of paying childcare costs on receipt of actual costs paid protects the claimant from getting into debt.